Starbucks CEO: ‘Best Cup of Coffee Known to Mankind’ Is Made at Home, Not Starbucks

We’re confused. We can’t tell if this is intentional or if he just wasn’t thinking. Is this a gaffe?

During an interview with Business Week’s Susan Berfield, chairman and CEO of Starbucks said the best way to make a cup of coffee is by employing a methodnot used by Starbucks baristas: the French press.

Yep. Howard Schultz uses a Bodum French press, which he says makes “the best cup of coffee known to mankind.”

Which it does. Which is why we never go to Starbucks.

“This means if Mr Schultz uses a 1lb bag of Starbucks coffee beans, it works out roughly 46 cents, compared to the $2.01 coffee drinkers in Manhattan pay for a small americano in store,” the Daily Mail notes.

Schultz went on to explain that a French press brings out “oils, flavor and essence of blends.”

“Don’t buy preground coffee,” the CEO added, “After it’s opened, a bag of whole bean coffee has a shelf life of no more than a week.”

“[T]he French press should not be on a burner, transfer the coffee to a thermos. Drink it within an hour or two, at the max,” Schultz continued.

Again, is this a gaffe? We’re so confused. He’s really doubling down on what he believes (and rightfully so) is a good cup of coffee.

Why would he advise people to make their coffee with methods not used by his brand? Furthermore, by dissuading people from buying preground coffee, he just advised against a large portion of his business.

“[I]t could be a clever promotion on Mr Schultz’s part – Starbucks sell the coffee presser on their website for $19.95,” the Daily hypothesizes.

True. But this would also mean that if people take Schultz at his word, and for the onetime price of $19.95, Starbucks can count on never seeing that customer again (you know, that whole “teach ‘em how to fish” thing). Which is fine; it’s just not something you’d expect a CEO to let slip, let alone explain in meticulous detail.

Of course, this is all contingent on whether or not Schultz is right and it really is “the best cup of coffee known to mankind.”

Menu

Get TheBlaze Newsletters

Comment Section FAQ

I'm not seeing my post to MyVoice. How come?

Approved posts to MyVoice will be live on the site within a few hours. MyVoice is for posting intelligent, engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking commentary and stories, so following these guidelines will help get your post prioritized and noticed.

Why is there a red near my name?

Moderators assign strikes for violations of our comment policy. Strikes will disappear automatically in 24 hours, provided you have no further violations. However, if you earn three strikes within 24 hours, your account will be temporary suspended.

I’m having trouble editing and replying to comments, or I’m getting an error when I try to post. What can I do?

What should I do if I see someone causing trouble?

You can report offending posts by clicking on the little flag icon below every post. This will automatically inform our moderators. If you spot a troublemaker, you can also email us at moderation@theblaze.com.

Community Rules

Speak your mind. Please be respectful of our rules and community. Asking people to upvote you or your post are not allowed. No spam, abuse, obscenities, off-topic comments, racial or ethnic slurs, threats, hate, comments that incite violence or excessive use of flagging permitted.

Please be respectful of our community and spread some love. Any of the following may result in a permanent ban:

Spam

Abusive

Obscene language

Obscene photos

Off-topic comments

Racial or ethnic slurs

Threats of any kind

Hate messages

Excessive use or the flagging (report as spam) feature

Asking people to upvote your comments or posts

For more information, please see our Terms of Use. Now, go have fun and speak your mind!